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LUMBERTON – A judge extended a restraining order Monday barring the Robeson County Animal shelter from euthanizing any animals on hold for adoption, but dismissed two items in the complaint against the shelter.

Animal rights activists filed a lawsuit against the shelter in April.

The judge determined animals must be held for 24 hours after being reserved for adoption. Both sides agreed reservations on animals must be confirmed by fax.

The judge dismissed one complaint against the shelter's opting out of foster care for animals and another against the shelter's practice of keeping half of the shelter empty to facilitate cleaning.

However, the claim of cruelty to animals stands, as does the temporary restraining order.

"So for right now, we've kind of been awarded exactly what we want. We want the opportunity for the animal to be placed if there's somebody who wants to take the animal. In other words, there's not really any rush to trial," said Calley Gerber, with the Gerber Animal Law Center.

County Attorney Hal Kinlaw said it's not the outcome he was looking for, and he now has until mid-June to file a response.

"We have to try a case. It's going to take a lot of resources and time, a lot of people tied up. It's never a good thing to be in court when you could be doing your job," said Kinlaw.

Gerber said the judge's ruling took her client one step closer to the end goal.

"If they'll adopt animals that have a home and not abuse animals while they're in the shelter, we'll be very happy," Gerber said. "We'll consider that a success."